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The first week of the 2026 U.S. Open delivered a mix of predictable dominance, unexpected exits and off-court controversies that already shape the tournament’s narrative. From reassuring returns to glaring missteps, here are the clearest takeaways after seven days in New York.
Top marks (A)
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Carlos Alcaraz put early concerns about his wrist to rest with efficient, convincing wins, reasserting himself as the tournament favorite. His form suggested the rest has done him good and returned the sport one of its most dynamic players.
Coco Gauff has also impressed and is playing like someone expected to contend deep into the second week. On the women’s side, the draw has shown unusual consistency: for the first time at a major since 2021, all of the top 10 seeds advanced to the third round, underscoring the depth at the top.
Near-perfect (A-)
Aryna Sabalenka has been formidable on court as she pursues a three-peat. Off-court exchanges with the media have occasionally been tense, but her performance level has been hard to fault.
Several veterans announced or hinted at retirement during the fortnight. Names such as Stan Wawrinka, Gaël Monfils, Sorana Cîrstea, Rajeev Ram and Steve Dinkes were among those departing a major stage, at least for now.
Notable moments (B+)
The Williams sisters provided one of the event’s feel-good moments with a spirited first-round doubles appearance. Their match thrilled the crowd, though they squandered a 5–0 tiebreak lead and later skipped the mandatory postmatch press conference — a choice that drew criticism.
Reese Brantmeier, an American wild card and former NCAA champion, lost early on the court but made headlines off it. Her legal action helped preserve first-round prize money for college-eligible players, allowing competitors such as Jack Kennedy to retain earnings without sacrificing eligibility.
There were also intriguing reminders that classic technique still matters: Stefanos Tsitsipas’s run and performances by players like Lilli Tagger and Diane Parry offered proof that the one-handed backhand remains a live weapon on tour.
Mixed results and rising names
Qinwen Zheng, the Olympic singles gold medalist, had slipped down the rankings after an elbow problem but qualified and then won three rounds, including a comeback against Madison Key. Her run hinted at a return to form. Likewise, Michael Zheng — a recent Columbia graduate — continued a consistent season by winning matches at each of the four majors in 2026, suggesting a promising early career trajectory.
American youngsters showed flashes. Taylor Townsend produced entertaining tennis to reach the middle weekend, while Taylor Fritz appeared healthier and closer to his 2024 final form. Robin Montgomery remains a talent to watch but again struggled to close out matches after holding leads over seeded opponents.
Underwhelming (C)
The men’s draw produced a wave of early upsets among in-form entrants. Arthur Fils, Rafael Jódar and Brandon Nakashima—all carrying momentum and career-high rankings—were eliminated before the second week. Félix Auger-Aliassime, seeded No. 3, fell to Karen Khachanov, a player who recently suffered unexpected defeats, highlighting how quickly form can fluctuate in a best-of-five environment.
Top seed Alexander Zverev also labored to get through his early matchups. For American fans, the long drought since Andy Roddick’s 2003 U.S. Open title remains backgrounded by questions about whether Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz or Tommy Paul can break the streak.
Controversies and concerns
The USTA’s commercial decisions drew sharp scrutiny. The federation’s partnership with prediction-market platform Kalshi provoked particular unease because prediction markets are less regulated than conventional sports betting and raise integrity questions at an event whose governing bodies also fund anti–match-fixing efforts. Critics described the arrangement as a serious misstep.
Off-court spectacle and commercialization were recurring themes. Inflated concession prices, high-profile credentialing for influencers and frequent on-court interruptions prompted debate about how to balance revenue generation with the tournament’s traditions and competitive integrity. Some suggested clearer credentialing protocols to limit disruptive behavior by content creators.
Rules, conduct and on-court safety
Instances of dangerous behavior drew attention. Belinda Bencic, typically composed, sent a ball into the stands in frustration and narrowly avoided a default. Tournament officials allowed play to continue, but the episode renewed conversations about player conduct and spectator safety.
Looking ahead
Week 1 left the majors’ biggest storylines intact while creating fresh ones: established champions reinforcing their status, young players staking claims, and organizational choices fueling debate about the sport’s direction. The second week will sharpen those narratives as favorites and contenders face tougher test under the New York lights.
